Looking to stay up to date on your CEUs? Have producers asking conservation-specific questions you don’t feel confident answering? Looking to host a training and want to avoid conflicts for your audience? You have come to the right place.
Explore our Conservation Calendar for information on conservation-related events and trainings hosted across Wisconsin and beyond.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting Manure Applicator Training – Level 1 / Manure 101. Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Register here. Locations and […]
Reduce maintenance and improve the health and beauty of your lawn and landscape by implementing stormwater-friendly strategies. We’ll cover steps to help capture rainwater by improving the soil, utilizing rain barrels and planting rain gardens. Adding trees, growing more native plants, and improving the health of your lawn also help keep water on your property […]
Steve Duke, Principal Scientist at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi, Steve Young, National Program Leader – Weeds and Invasive Pests, WSSA Representatives and ARS Administrators USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research Info here.
Join us as we discuss the similarities and differences between regenerative and organic agriculture. This webinar will cover the basic principles and practices of organic and regenerative agriculture, highlighting intersections and differences between the two. Also discussed will be motivations for producers to follow one or both production principles and resource challenges these producers may […]
Many people want to convert an existing structure to a poultry coop. There are many things that must be taken into consideration when doing so, especially ventilation. Morgan Hayes from the University of Kentucky will discuss some of the issues that may arise and how to address them. Info here.
Lincoln Fishman of Sawyer Farm in Worthington, MA will talk through his no-till systems featuring details on planting into standing clover. Lincoln started with undersown clover a decade ago and has moved toward his current system as a way to both reduce tillage and address his long-term sustainability goals. He approaches his work with an […]
Many times we discuss ways to manage or lessen some of the damage we have done to our lakes and rivers. Whether it be trying to control invasive species, restoring shoreland, or limiting the capture of certain fish species, we’re often playing “catch-up.” While all of those restorations and mitigation strategies are necessary, it is […]
The goal of this research was to determine how fish community composition, diversity and abundance differs in Phragmites, Typha and Schoenoplectus vegetation. We found that although there were no differences in species richness or abundance there were differences in the fish species composition between the three vegetation types, with more Cyprinids found in the Schoenoplectus […]
This webinar will dive into reviewing nutrient management plans and their accompanying 590 checklist. 1.5 Nutrient Management CEUs will be offered. Andrea Topper from DATCP will be the presenter. Info here.
Join the Algal Bloom Action Team as we kick off our 2022 Harmful Algal Blooms Webinar Series! This month we examine how climate change is impacting marine and freshwater ecosystems with Dr. Christopher Gobler from Stony Brook University and learn about the history and current harmful algal bloom projects at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. […]
The problem of hardwater scale is often addressed with salt-based water softeners that remove scale-forming calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium ions. This ion-exchange technology, while the current norm in much of the United States, is not the only way to prevent hard-water scale. Salt-free options, more common in Europe, are readily […]
The existence of high-frequency space-time data on human activities and movements is permitting the exploration and prediction of behavior in unprecedented ways. Cellphone data, for example, has been used to understand the differential abilities of income groups to respond to COVID-19 emergency declarations, to better predict traffic patterns, and to understand global mobility patterns. In […]
Dr. Kyle Cunningham (UArk) will provide a general overview of native and invasive nonnative herbaceous species of concern in the southeastern U.S. Both native and nonnative herbaceous plant species can be detrimental to forest stands in the southeastern U.S. when they disrupt the ecological balance. Often, nonnative invasive plants can grow unchecked and displace native […]
In a survey of over 1,700 well owners, 67% believed their well water was safe without any evidence to support it. You can protect your health and your family's by learning the basics of well care. In this free 90-minute webinar training hosted by The Private Well Class, you'll learn: how to determine if […]
Drip Irrigation Systems can save time, conserve water, and enhance ease and health of your school garden plants. Join us to discuss how to set up and manage a simple drip irrigation system. We will share the components needed to create a system, steps to calculate/order materials, basic skills to build/repair your system, and tips […]
Angela Waupochick, PhD student, UW–Madison Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. Tribal communities maintain significant landholdings, including black ash–dominated forested wetlands. These systems have not been a priority for management, but anticipated mortality induced by emerald ash borer has prompted tribal managers to seek strategies and prioritize areas for mitigation. Waupochick’s tribal-scale research aims to […]
The Nature Conservancy is leading an effort to establish the South River Forest Park to preserve and restore 3,500 acres of forest cover and green space in south metro Atlanta. At the same time, there is an acute shortage of affordable housing in this part of Atlanta, which is predominantly lower income and African American. […]
How can formal and non formal educators better incorporate Latinx perspectives and voices into our place-based teaching and learning? Where are the intersections of action-oriented place-based education and the Latinx community? Join us for a panel discussion moderated by Marisol Teachworth of GOAL Line in Detroit with panelist, Antonio Cosme, member of the beekeepers' cooperative […]
Roberta Walls from DNR will be the presenter for the first webinar in the series. It will cover the elements and methods of non-metallic mine inspection. The presentation will walk you through the following: Scheduling and Preparations Documentation and Reports Zoning vs Reclamation Complaints If you don't receive a confirmation email, please contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org […]
The cognitive sciences now tell us what indigenous wisdom has always know: that being in Nature is an important component of both our physical and emotional wellbeing. The wellness of our social relationships are interdependent with the quality of our relationships with the natural world. The wellness industry is booming, and nature tourism is on […]
The Role of Birds on the Farm Course: Lesson 3 - Insect-Eating Birds Supported by Nest Boxes and Buildings Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to: Determine which birds are present on a farm Evaluate various nest boxes and make recommendations Identify where to install and not install boxes Monitor boxes Info […]
Brian Ebel, NRCS Water Resource Engineer, will discuss the basic concepts of Irrigation. This introduction to irrigation will include: Water Availability in Soil for Plant Use Types of Irrigation, with specifics for Center Pivot Systems Irrigation Scheduling Methods EQIP 449 Irrigation Water Management Attendees will gain insight into why and when irrigation is used and […]
Founded in 1996, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association is the only organization focused on producers and managers raising dairy calves and replacement heifers. DCHA’s focus is to provide the platform for sharing best practices, peer learning, networking and unbiased industry expertise. We will continue to collaborate, grow and evolve to meet the growing needs […]
Join the world’s largest cheese and whey processing expo! A gathering of over 4,000 cheese industry leaders, suppliers, marketers and more will gather to share information about the latest in cheese technology, new products, whey opportunities, product safety, marketing and additional issues affecting our industry. Info here.
Solving the Barriers to Agricultural Carbon Markets will cover what still needs to be done to advance carbon markets. Providing an objective look at carbon markets from an economic and legal perspective, topics discussed will include what pitfalls persist, what opportunities are available for farmers, and where both the science and market trends are currently […]
Dr. Treva Gear (Adel, GA) and Adam Colette (Asheville, NC) will be covering the environmental justice and economic impacts of large-scale industrial logging on the US South, with a particular focus on the wood-pellet biomass industry that has rapidly expanded across the region over the past ten years. Their webinar will focus on how the […]
Participants will learn how management practices and environmental conditions impact the performance of cover crops that are drill-interseeded into corn early in the growing season. Participate in this training to learn how cover crop species selection, interseeding timing, corn management, herbicide selection and application timing impact performance of interseeded cover crops. Emphasis will be placed […]
An Introduction to the WI Shoreline Stabilization Outreach Project. This webinar will discuss the process and participants involved with creating the publication as well as the background leading up to its development. We will introduce the publication, discuss the four levels or categories of stabilization and the appropriate site conditions for each practice. Info here.
Marty Williams, Ecologist at the Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, IL USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Info here.
Gilad Buzi of Aurora Del Camp Farm with discuss mechanization for his no-till peri-urban farm. His system uses compost, ramial wood chips, and a high degree of mechanization. In Europe, Gilad has access to a different range of small scale tools, which can make organic no-till more efficient, and gives those of us in the […]
Learn techniques to manage construction site stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and eliminate problems before they cause higher costs and slowdowns for your project. Save time and money by avoiding erosion and sediment releases. Learn about Wisconsin regulations and requirements for construction site inspection, EPA SWPPP requirements for inspections, proper documentation procedures, how to recognize […]
This two-morning webinar offers stormwater professionals a chance to hear experts from around the state share their experiences in: Separating basements from groundwater; TMDL compliance plans; Leaf management; Road salt minimization; BMP cost estimate; Dewatering; BMP inspection; Designing green infrastructure. Also, included are some updates to DNR stormwater BMP technical standards, Endangered Resources review, streambank […]
Lake Mendota is a beloved resource for thousands of people, but many don’t know that it has a rich history of testing scientific hypotheses. Often cited as the most studied lake in the world, it has been researched extensively since the 1880’s. This talk will chronologically cover how Lake Mendota has undergone large shifts in […]
Agricultural seed production is needed to meet ambitious restoration goals, which will require more seeds than can be harvested from wild populations. However, there may be direct conflicts between traits that are favorable in conventional agriculture and those that are adaptive in restoration settings, which could have long-lasting impacts on restored communities. Here, we review […]
We all deserve to have safe clean drinking water that we can trust. In order to do that, we need to ensure we are protecting water at the source - whether that is groundwater or surface water. Tune in this month's edition of The Current Webinar as we focus on this important topic. We will […]
The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) offers a Hot Topics Webinar Series that focuses on timely issues and studies such as new and emerging wetland policy and law, innovative tools and technology and state-of-the-art practices. These webinars are advertised through our website, newsletters, social media and emails. Info here.
A four year (2022 - 2026) strategic action plan for the Northeast, the Drought Early Warning System will soon be released by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). This plan identifies outcomes and activities that will move national and regional drought response from a reactive posture to a more proactive posture. Within NIDIS, a […]
Insecticides are an integral part of pest management in modern agriculture, but are also commonly the focus of public scrutiny over human health and environmental safety concerns. This seminar will broadly cover the history of the development of different major types of insecticides, and highlight the trends in insecticide technology and use through time. We […]
This Clean Boats, Clean Waters training is for those who have never performed watercraft inspections and conversed with boaters at the landing, but is also a refresher for those who would like a reminder and some practice before heading out to the landings this summer. Info here.
Increasing relevance of ecosystem services in decision-making requires interdisciplinary efforts that are grounded in community needs. The City of Cincinnati has over 300,000 residents and would like to implement tree planting to promote resilience. To ensure resilience goals are pursued in an equitable and socially just manner, the City of Cincinnati engaged in an interdisciplinary […]
The topic will be “What is clean water worth? Value, threats, tradeoffs, and equity implications.” Her interdisciplinary approach highlights connections among perceptions of value, the use of environmental resources, and social justice. Bonnie Keeler, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Co-Director Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy, University of Minnesota. Dr. Keeler's […]
There was a time in America when the ability to increase apple trees through grafting was common knowledge. Imagine a time when friends and neighbors shared their favorite trees freely with each other. And, if you had a tree that was truly wonderful, you could simply graft 10 or 20 more for your own orchard. […]
Join Whooping Crane Outreach Coordinator Stephanie Schmidt to learn about the International Crane Foundation’s whooping crane reintroduction and community building efforts in Wisconsin and beyond. The whooping crane is a charismatic wetland species and a large white bird around 5 feet tall, making it the tallest bird in North America. In the 1940s the population […]
Do you need to have better conversations with your farmer? Learn how equipment, weather, and the timing of planting and termination can impact your soil health journey. Learn how better soil health is like insurance for your topsoil. We’ll dig into cover crops, strip-till or no-till, new types of soil testing, and how you can […]
This webinar will give conservation staff the opportunity to discuss nutrient management and share tips and tricks. During registration we will ask that you submit questions and/or discussion topics to help guide our conversation. 1.5 Nutrient Management CEUs will be offered. Info here.
A comprehensive discussion of relevant policies for forest bioenergy must include the entire life cycle of the material, including land use and feedstock production (i.e., harvesting woody biomass) as well as energy production. The use of the residuals of wood product manufacturing has a long history as a sustainable thermal bioenergy source, but new bioenergy […]
Join the Embarras Grazing Partnership for a two-part series examining value chains and the profitability potential of pasture-based livestock production! In Part 1, we will discuss value chains for pasture-based livestock. Jodee Smith, Assistant Director of the IU Food Institute, will share the top ways producers can develop or join a market-based food system. We’ll […]
This 12-part series tells a story about climate change and its impacts on forest ecosystems and forest dependent wildlife species. We will examine forest ecosystems and their composition and structure under a changing climate, and the influence on wildlife populations and carbon dynamics. We will also share tools and management approaches to help facilitate forest […]
Climate change has impacted and will continue to impact indigenous peoples, their lifeways and culture, and the natural world upon which they rely, in unpredictable and potentially devastating ways. Many climate adaptation planning tools fail to address the unique needs, values, and cultures of indigenous communities. This Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu, which was developed by […]
Melissa Smith, Research Ecologist at the Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, FL USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Info here.
Join us as we discuss the basics of microirrigation terminology, layout, components, planning and design considerations with emphasis on small vegetable farms within the context of NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Code 441 (Irrigation Systems, Microirrigation) and its criteria. Microirrigation is defined as frequent application of small quantities of water as drops or miniature streams […]
Gardening in community gardens or small spaces can have challenges in addition to those that every gardener faces. In this program, we will talk about soil health, proper planting techniques, and weed control so you can improve the health and productivity of your garden plot for the upcoming growing season. This is a free and […]
Join us for a webinar on Conservation Districts delivering effective conservation programs & services when not co-located in a USDA Service Center. Participants will receive examples, tips and recommendations from across the nation from conservation district leaders that have been operating their districts in their facilities separated from NRCS. Info here.
Please join us for an exciting event to share information and foster collaboration among conservation practitioners, researchers and stakeholders working in the bay of Green Bay, Lower Fox River watershed, Green Bay’s west shore and Door Peninsula. The morning includes an opportunity for networking, regional and legislative updates, lightning talks, and student posters. Don’t miss […]
Want to SEE what shoreland zoning standards and good waterfront property stewardship accomplish? We've developed a new graphic to illustrate the benefits to your lake or river. In this interactive session learn about options for using this graphic to reach more waterfront property owners and recruit owners for Healthy Lakes projects! Check out the Value of […]
Farmers across the country are adopting no-till practices at an astonishing rate, fueled in large part by several popular books and resources. While there’s no doubt a reduction in tillage is beneficial for soil, water, and microorganisms, is it possible that we may have over-corrected slightly? Can tillage be a part of a healthy system, […]
Paulette M. Fox is a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta. She owns and operates her own environmental consulting business, Harmony Walkers Inc. She is a spiritual leader and knowledge keeper. Currently she is working with the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent and the Blackfeet Nation in […]
Land-grant universities (LGUs) have been providing affordable access to a quality higher education experience for over 150 years. However, these same institutions were founded from the sale of lands taken from Tribal Nations, typically through broken treaties or brute force. We will discuss a variety of initiatives being undertaken by LGUs as they grapple with […]
The April edition of the Digital Cafe series will feature Brian Dougherty, Field Agricultural Engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Brian is a part of the Soil Health Nexus team that worked to develop the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool – a 101 tool for producers who are considering implementing a new soil […]
It has been two years since we were able to hold our Annual Meeting in-person & we are excited to get back together! Join the Upper Sugar staff & Board of Directors for an evening of re-connecting to one another & to the continued work of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association. We will be […]
Water and life are inextricably intertwined. Without access to adequate water, humanity suffers. Yet, water in extreme abundance can also become a destructive force. We invite you to join us as we explore these concepts and more during the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies Earth Day 2022: Water on the Rise. This day-long community learning […]
This training will help conservation planners, biologists and engineering staff identify drainage features that drained this wetland and identify what conservation practices can be used to restore hydrology back to pre-drainage conditions. Participants will put together preliminary plans for this complex site which will include tile breaks, ditch fills, embankments, water control structures and seeding. […]
Nature-based Solutions apply ecological design to address societal challenges. Climate change has aggravated extreme hazard events such as floods, droughts, extreme heat, and fires that threaten livelihood of communities, especially for vulnerable populations, in addition to the sustainability of urban water systems. Conventional urbanization patterns and urban water infrastructure systems are designed based on past […]
Join the Embarras Grazing Partnership for a two-part series examining value chains and the profitability potential of pasture-based livestock production! In Part 2, we’ll dig into the revenue potential of pasture-based livestock. Jim Munsch, certified organic grass-fed beef farmer, will discuss a variety of marketing strategies for selling direct-to-consumer as well as options for moving […]
The beginning of a webinar series designed to assist individuals and Tribes by sharing proven methods which can be used as building blocks for Indigenous agriculture systems, providing a road map to success. These presentations are intended to bolster Native farmers' and ranchers' ability to engage in production agriculture through a better understanding how food […]
More and more companies are pursuing ambitious emissions goals, and science points to nature-based solutions as an immediately deployable part of the world’s net zero pathway. But how can – and how should – companies look to invest in forest carbon? In this one-hour webcast, speakers from NCX, America’s largest forest carbon market and Green […]
This event celebrates the people, organizations, and businesses that uphold our sustainable culture in Door County and beyond. Every Day is Earth Day comprises an environmentally focused weekend of resource exchange, an open house, guest speakers, demonstrations, films, and activities for people of all ages. Info here.
With a theme of “Reconnecting Around Water”, the 2022 Spring Symposium will bring together a range of thinkers from the natural and social sciences, humanities, arts, public policy, and Wisconsin state agencies to share their experiences with water research and the many ways water connects us all. Live CART captioning will be provided for the […]
Join us to Build Your Own Rain Barrel on Saturday, April 23rd to promote the use of green infrastructure and to improve the health of the Rock River watershed. The average American family directly consumes nearly 110,000 gallons of water each year, and if you include water used for producing food, energy, and consumer goods, that […]
Building healthy soil amidst an increasingly challenging environment remains a high priority for women landowners in Wisconsin. Join fellow women landowners, farmers and conservationists along with local experts, to delve into climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while building resilience to strengthen your operation. Info […]
The Harmful Cyanobacteria Blooms (HCBs) training reviews key information found in the two ITRC HCB Guidance Documents, the 2021 Strategies for Preventing and Managing Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (HCB-1) and the 2022 companion document focused on benthic HCBs (HCB-2). ITRC’s HCB-2 focuses on the ecology, toxin production, management, and mitigation of benthic HCBs and is a […]
Steven Mirsky, Research Ecologist at the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory in Beltsville, MD USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Info here.
In recent years, with the growth of recreational boating activities, there has been growing concern over boat-generated waves and propeller wash and their environmental impacts to lakes and rivers. The research reported here was motivated by a need to better understand the characteristics (i.e., height ,energy, and power) of wakes and waves produced by common […]
The purpose of the Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium is to share and discuss information on projects and data, provide networking opportunities among professionals working on conservation, restoration, and climate-adaptive projects in the Lake Superior Basin of Wisconsin, and to provide space for group input and action planning for the future. The 2022 Symposium will include […]
The conference will feature traditional presentations and a poster session on the latest in emerging contaminant research, policies, and outreach in the soil, water, and air. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and networking with those interested in all aspects of emerging contaminants in the environment. Researchers, educators, businesses, government officials, […]
Restoration outcomes are notorious for being unpredictable. Similar restoration actions, carried out on seemingly similar sites, can result in variable outcomes and this unpredictability challenges our capacity to meet specific goals. In turn, this points to the need to develop predictive capacities in restoration. But what will this look like and what challenges must be […]
Assessing building damages post-disaster is the preferred method for making substantial damage determinations and offers a number of benefits that should make it easier to administer the Substantial Improvement/Damage (SI/SD) requirements. One benefit is to provide property owners with information about the requirement to bring buildings into compliance before they get very far along with […]
Building healthy soil amidst an increasingly challenging environment remains a high priority for women landowners in Wisconsin. Join fellow women landowners, farmers and conservationists along with local experts, to delve into climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while building resilience to strengthen your operation. Info […]
This is the second in a four-part webinar series - Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Jurisdictions: What you need to know! This training will focus on what you need to know between local, county, and state regulations pertaining to reclamation permit requirements and jurisdictions for nonmetallic mining. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, […]
Rodale Institute is pleased to host farmers across the United States that are making organic rotational no-till agriculture work on their farms. Join us as we explore the successes (and the challenges) associated with this production system – one that we believe to be highest standard for organic agriculture. Info here.
The Role of Birds on the Farm Course: Lesson 4 - Rodent-Eating Birds Supported by Nest Boxes, Platforms and Perches Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to: • Understand that raptors can meaningfully reduce rodent pests • Know a few raptor species that provide natural pest control • Recommend the best features […]
In Part 2 of this virtual workshop, NCAT Grazing Specialist Justin Morris and NCAT Livestock Specialist Felicia Bell will explore this topic in greater depth. They will explore the benefits of different perennial species they discussed in Part 1 of this workshop. (Did you miss Part 1? Get caught up HERE!). Justin will also go […]
This event speaker Mąąšusga (Jon Greendeer) will present about community health and wellness in the Ho-Chunk Nation. In this 8th Annual CNR Spring Seminar Series, we are featuring seven speakers, each representing a different level of policy-setting in Wisconsin. This seminar series highlights the roles of the legislature, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the […]
Alley cropping combines rows of trees with agronomic or horticultural crops between the rows. This system can generate a range of farm products in tree rows including biomass, timber, fruit, or nuts while at the same time improving environmental outcomes. This webinar will go over planning for alley cropping, including new NRCS guidance documents and […]
The Harmful Cyanobacteria Blooms (HCBs) training reviews key information found in the two ITRC HCB Guidance Documents, the 2021 Strategies for Preventing and Managing Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (HCB-1) and the 2022 companion document focused on benthic HCBs (HCB-2). ITRC’s HCB-2 focuses on the ecology, toxin production, management, and mitigation of benthic HCBs and is a […]
The Department of Natural Resources Waterway Program is offering a remote technical training opportunity for our local regulatory and land conservation partners to aide in making navigability and ordinary high water mark determinations for local ordinance administration. It has been a few years since the Department has been able to offer such an opportunity, so […]
The Wetland Coffee Break series helps keep our community of wetland lovers connected and learning about wetlands throughout the year, from anywhere! Bring your coffee and learn about wetlands, the plants and animals that call them home, and the many natural benefits they provide to our communities. Sessions are held on Zoom and feature time […]
Do you live by a stream or river? Looking for a way to protect streams near you? Become a volunteer stream monitor with the Rock River Coalition! From May to October, our 180+ stream monitors collect data vital to understanding the health of our streams across the Rock River Basin. By the end of this […]